Snow may be over, but citrus danger continues

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - The snow event that closed Kern County highways over the weekend may be over, but the hard freeze warning issued by the National Weather Service continues through Wednesday, putting citrus crops in danger.

Depending on the locations, citrus farmers will have anything ranging from spotty damage to a total loss.

Temperatures overnight Friday did not reach the predicted lows. But predicted lows forecast by the National Weather Service for the next couple of nights are in the low 20s.

"Too many mornings down in the low 20s, even with water and wind machines, you're not gonna save it all," said Teagarden.

"Last night was very similar to Friday," said California Citrus Mutual director Dr. Etienne Rabe. "It was predicted to be much cooler than it actually turned out."

He called the high clouds bringing warmer temperatures small mercies.

"We will have some damage, but not a total wipeout," Rabe said.

Saturday's snowstorm shut down major roadways, including Interstate 5 over the Grapevine and Highway 58 through Tehachapi. The Hwy. 58 closure led to the postponements of the Tehachapi Christmas Parade and the ECHL match-up between the Condors and Las Vegas Wranglers, because the team couldn't get to Bakersfield to play.

The parade will take place next Saturday, Dec. 14, in downtown Tehachapi, starting at 5:30 p.m. The Condors-Wranglers match will be rescheduled, and tickets to the game can be redeemed for any match-up before the end of January.